Trincomalee: 7 Great Things To Do (Sri Lanka)

1. Nilaveli Beach

Rent a motorbike for your whole stay (±1500 LKR per day) and go explore the nearby beaches. The east coast is much quieter than other parts, so driving here on a motorbike isn’t a problem.

Nilaveli Beach is a beautiful beach area where you just can chill for the day. In the weekend, locals from all over the country also like to visit Nilaveli because of its white sand. It’s even better to just spot some small roads towards the beach because this brings you the untouched spots!

Get tickets from Colombo to Trincomalee

2. Whale Watching

Trincomalee is famous for Whale Watching. Which is also one of the popular things to do in Mirissa in the opposite season. The whale season in Trincomalee runs from March until August.

things to do Trincomalee local fishermen

3. Chill at Fernandos

One of the most laid-back bars in town is Fernando’s. Located right on the beach, this chill-out bar offers some good drinks and music. Enjoy the last moments of the sunset in a hammock. Just skip lunch or dinner here, and go to one of these restaurants in Trincomalee.

Here are all your hotel options in Trincomalee.

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4. Visit Sri Pathrakali Amman Kovil

This beautifully colored Hindu temple is located in town and easy to visit. It even might be your lucky day to experience a real ceremony.

During your little trip through town towards the temples or Fort Frederik, you might pass loads of dried fish stalls.

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Trincomalee town is full of real local life, where they don’t necessarily have to live from tourism which is completely different from the south.

5. Visit Fort Frederik

Fort Frederik is an old fort built by the Portuguese. These days it is used by the Sri Lankan military but it’s open for visitors. Within the fort, you can see many deer and escape the heat of the day because most of the fort is covered by trees.

Here are all your hotel options in Trincomalee.

things to do Trincomalee fort frederick deers

6. Enjoy the bay view at the Koneswaram Temple

From Fort Frederik, you can follow the road until the viewpoint area and Hindu temple Koneswaram. From this area, you can drink a coconut with a view over the whole Trincomalee bay. The temple is built on a great location with an insane drop into the ocean. Make sure the visit the back of the temple area.

7. Snorkel at Pigeon Island

A 10-minute boat rides out of Nilaveli Beach is a small island with super clear water and a small white sand beach. Pigeon Island is great for a morning or afternoon tour. Don’t forget your snorkel gear.

Here are all your hotel options in Trincomalee.